Tuesday, 7 January 2020

Where to visit in Nantou, Taiwan in one day

Where to visit in Nantou, Taiwan in one day
During your stay in Nantou, you can visit the historical and cultural sites around the lake or take a stroll along the many hiking trails there. Nantou County is rich in history and its background is every bit as charming as its locals.

Bamboo Rock Garden

Bamboo Rock Garden
Sun Moon Lake offers many scenic spots, but the Bamboo Rock Garden is one place you have to visit. The garden’s many trees offer a shady respite from the sun and a place to rest. Ardent photographers can attempt to capture the beauty of the towering bamboo plants.

There are a butterfly garden and a hotel within the grounds. The Tea Research and Extension Station is a short stroll away, too, so be sure to visit it if you have a thirst and time to spare.

Carp Lake

Carp Lake
Carp Lake is a very scenic tourist spot, and although it may be located near the outskirts of the township, there’s plenty to see and do here. It’s an especially good spot if you like outdoors activities since you can go boating, camping, picnicking and hiking. The shoreline is fairly well developed, so don't go expecting beautiful natural scenery. However, that development means that there's a good choice of restaurants and hotels immediately around the water.

Wenwu Temple

Wenwu Temple
Wenwu Temple is the result of 2 post-Japanese-era temples being combined as a single entity. The locals here had Wenwu Temple built in place of two temples when rising lake waters threatened to submerge the buildings.

At first glance, the temple looks every bit like a traditional Confucius temple reminiscent to those found in Northern China. The structure is majestic and a sight to behold. With so many travelers visiting each day, officials thought it would be wiser to leave the main gates open for tourists’ convenience, so it is accessible throughout the day.

Batongguan Historic Trail

Batongguan Historic Trail
The Batongguan Historic Trail was established by soldiers in 1875, during the rule of the Qing dynasty. Along the trail, you will find numerous stone inscriptions that act as milestones in the history on the area as well as distance. These include the “Wan Nian Heng Cyu” stone inscription made on a gargantuan boulder. When translated, it reads: “The opening of the roads expedites trade and travel to the benefit of future generations”.

Besides learning about the deep-rooted history of Nantou, you can also bask in the beauty of the Central Mountain Range.

See more: Explore top attractions in Shilin, Taiwan
Source: Internet

Monday, 6 January 2020

24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur combines mosques with Chinese and Hindu temples. A central oasis filled with tropical flowers, orchids and monkeys in a busy metropolitan city centre – plus an undisputed reputation for delicious food. Find out how to pack all this into a single day in this article.

Morning: Chinese-style breakfast and Little India

Morning: Chinese-style breakfast and Little India
Start the morning with a steaming bowl of noodle soup at Restoran One Sentral. The Chinese-hawker style restaurant sits in the heart of Brickfields near the neighbourhood’s budget-friendly accommodation. Stroll through Little India along the colourful streets decorated with arches to the sounds and smells of the subcontinent. Check out the 100-year-old Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Tempe on Scott Road and the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple. If you’re peckish, order roti canai from one of the Nasi Kandar shops along Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Pro Tip: KL Sentral’s shopping centre has plenty of cafés, shops and ultra-strong air-conditioning for days that are just too hot.

Afternoon: Chinatown, Lake Gardens and monkeys

Afternoon: Chinatown, Lake Gardens and monkeys
The afternoon involves a walk around Chinatown and visiting the Lake Garden’s city oasis. Take the LRT from KL Sentral to Pasar Seni (one stop). Remember to get the token from the machines and keep it in a safe place. Chinatown is east of Pasar Seni. Check out the Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman Temple (KL’s oldest temple) and Petaling Street. Take a taxi or Grab Car to Lake Gardens which houses the Orchid Gardens around a lake. With just 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, this is your best chance to see wild monkeys.

Evening: Petronas Towers and the KLCC Water Show

Evening: Petronas Towers and the KLCC Water Show
Our 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur itinerary reserves the evening for the acclaimed Petronas Towers. From Lake Gardens, take a taxi or Grab to KLCC. Snap a few photographs of the towers in front of the shopping centre (where all the tourists are standing). Next, pass through the mall to KLCC Park. Follow the jogging path to get different perspectives of the Petronas Towers. The bridge directly behind the pond offers the best photographs. Enjoy a cake and iced coffee inside KLCC’s megamall and cool down for an hour. Stick around until the 8pm KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Show. Pro tip: Aim to arrive before 6pm to see the Petronas Towers in daylight and again when they light up after sunset.

Night: Unwind in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant neighbourhood

Night: Unwind in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant neighbourhood
If you still have any energy after an action-packed 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, head to Bukit Bintang. The district is a magnet for backpackers and travellers with an array of bars and restaurants. For the not-so-budget conscious tourists, a night at either No Black Tie (jazz bar) or Whiskey Bar makes for a classy night out. Alternatively, order a meal and bottle of beer at one of the plastic-table restaurants spread along Jalan Alor. For a more traditional meal, dine at a banana leaf restaurant.

See more: The best markets to visit in Phuket, Thailand
Source: Internet

Explore amazing night markets in Phuket, Thailand

Explore amazing night markets in Phuket, Thailand
Whether you are looking for delicious delicacies, local handicrafts, clothes, unique souvenir, or simply get a taste of island life after night falls, these interesting markets offer something for everyone traveling to Phuket.

Chillva Market

Chillva Market
Chillva Market in Phuket is a trendy night market with a somewhat bohemian vibe and an impressive selection of food, fashion and souvenir stalls. Located by the side of Yaowarat Road, it has colourful shipping containers as shopfronts. The night market also has an overwhelmingly local feel, with attractively low prices to match.

OTOP Night Market

OTOP Night Market
Photo @WillyThuan
OTOP, which serves as an acronym for ‘One Province, One Product’ once translated, was initially designed as a local market to promote the handicrafts of each province of Thailand. This idea did not last very long, and today the Patong OTOP market mostly sells a lot of copies, fake stuff and souvenirs you do not even need. What is more interesting is the food street and the small beer bars in the back.

Phuket Weekend Night Market Na Ka

Phuket Weekend Night Market Na Ka
The Phuket Weekend Market, otherwise known as the Na Ka market, is a comprehensive bazaar which is located in Central Festival in Phuket. Also known as the Chatuchak of Phuket, the locals call this market ‘Talad Tairod.’ This market is perpetually crowded and sometimes overwhelming. Feel like a child spoilt for choice at the market with the wide array of goods and services offered here.

The market can be divided into two major sections - food and shopping. Many famous brands are offered at this market. Their low costs will obviously give one a hint of the authenticity of these apparel. There are also DVD copy shops here which will sometimes sell movies even before the movies are released. Food is sold in abundance, allowing a newbie to try a whole range of things like fried, boiled, steamed, rolled food and many more. There is ample parking space at the back of the market.

Phuket Indy Market

Phuket Indy Market
As its name suggests, the Indy Market is home to independent traders rather than professional peddlers and, being locally known as “a market to let go of your goods”, is the closest thing Phuket has to a ‘bring-and-buy’ sale.

One of Phuket’s quieter night markets, it is popular with young Thais for its entertainment and great homemade snacks. Despite its small size, it is one of the most cool and comfortable markets, where you are sure to find something special to buy at a great price.

Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza Patong
Malin Plaza Patong is particularly popular for its food stands, but you can also find an impressive range of souvenirs. The night market is fairly small, with its main part protected from the elements under a high metal roof.

If you are here for dinner, must-tries include fried chicken and chips, crepes, ice cream, sushi, 90-baht cocktails, and fresh fruit. Prices are low, making Malin Plaza Patong a popular dining spot for budget travellers in Patong.

Fun Friday Avenue Market

Fun Friday Avenue Market
Fun Friday Avenue Market is a small weekend market popping up every Friday evening at the Boat Avenue on the way to Phuket Laguna. It is modest in size but fun to visit if you are staying in the Bangtao Beach area. Night markets are part of Thailand life, and wherever there is a market, there is a crowd and lots of food!

See more: Best Phuket beaches in Thailand
Source Internet